The World Rally Championship shifts to the asphalt of Croatia this weekend, and for M-Sport Ford's Jon Armstrong, it’s a return to a very special stage. As he gears up for the fourth round of the season, Armstrong reflects on Rally Croatia as a venue that holds a unique place in his career.
His connection to the event is undeniable. It was here in 2021 that he clinched his first Junior WRC victory, and he followed that up last year by winning the European Rally Championship round on these roads, narrowly missing out on the overall title. Now, in his debut WRC top-tier season, the 31-year-old Northern Irishman is eager to leverage that experience on the event's new-look stages.
"It holds a lot of great memories," Armstrong said. "This year's stages are closer to the coast, bringing a fresh challenge with a faster, more circuit-like flow. After a strong pre-event test, I'm excited to see what kind of pace we can deliver."
For his Motorsport Ireland teammate Josh McErlean, Croatia represents a crucial reset. After a tough start to the year marked by accidents in Monte Carlo and technical woes in Kenya, the young driver is focused on building a clean, consistent foundation. Making his debut at the event, McErlean is adopting a forward-looking mindset.
"What's done is done this season," McErlean stated. "I can't change it, but I can learn from it. Getting the absolute basics right will mean that the pace we are looking for will come along more easily. The goal is a clean, consistent weekend and to keep progressing."
M-Sport Team Principal Richard Millener sees the event as a prime opportunity for his drivers to shine on a pure tarmac surface. "It's nice to return to Croatia for the first full Tarmac event of the season," Millener noted, expressing confidence that the rally provides a "real opportunity to deliver strong performances." As the crews prepare to tackle the demanding coastal roads, all eyes will be on whether Armstrong's fond memories and McErlean's renewed focus can translate into standout results for the M-Sport squad.